Perhaps you are simply in the first weeks of pregnancy and you already notice these annoying partners that make you feel bloated. Or they may not appear until a few months later. But few are pregnant women who get rid of them. Today we talk about gases in pregnancy.
Gases in pregnancy form in the digestive system and can end their cycle inside us by expelled through the mouth or, if they are in the intestines, through the anus. They are one of the most embarrassing discomforts during pregnancy and are associated with the digestive discomforts that we suffer at this stage.
Gases form in the digestive system in two ways: by ingesting air and when bacteria from the large intestine break down undigested food. Most of the gas in the stomach is produced by swallowing air and is normally released when belching. Those who reach the intestine or occur there, come out in the form of windiness or flatulence.
Why do we have more gases in pregnancy?
The cause of the gases it is both in hormonal changes (the progesterone relative to the functioning of the digestive system) and in the increase in the size of the fetus that imprisons the stomach and intestines, all of which makes digestion especially in the final stretch of pregnancy, when they are more frequent indigestion and acidity.
Regarding burning or acidity, it is a sensation of swelling and burning in the pit of the stomach that goes up the esophagus and is often accompanied by small regurgitation of food (vomiting that does not come out through the mouth) and a repetition of belching.
The increase in fiber in the diet of the pregnant woman can also produce an increase in flatulence, but do not stop taking it for that reason, since the effect is much worse than simple gases. We refer to constipation (which could also increase flatulence) or hemorrhoids that can truly affect the future mother's well-being. In addition, remember that fiber-rich foods are not only beneficial for proper digestion, they also help control weight, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent hypertension or control diabetes.
The gases in pregnancy can be very annoying for the future mother, and our partner may have to be more understanding than usual, but the fetus may not even notice them. Possibly the baby only gets gastric and intestinal sounds muffled, without affecting you at all.
The only thing that could harm the baby's gases is if the mother, because of these, is affected by her diet and stops eating correctly or regularly. Therefore, and for our own well-being, it is important that we learn ways to reduce the gases or discomforts that they cause us.
Reduce gases in pregnancy
It is important that you are at your best at this stage and maybe you can do something for reduce annoying gas during pregnancy, improving digestion. Follow these tips:
Avoid copious meals, which increase the sensation of swelling and overload the digestive system. It is not about going hungry, but about increasing the number of meals per day, taking less and choosing the healthiest snacks in pregnancy.
Eat quietly, slowly, without swallowing and without being uncomfortable. Eating fast causes us to take more air with food, as well as tension or anxiety during meals. Chew food well to make the stomach easier.
Avoid foods that produce gases, which may vary from person to person. Possibly, you already know how your body reacts to certain foods, but in general you can say that onions, cabbage, beans or white beans, or fried foods and sugar-rich desserts usually produce more gases than others.
Refrain from carbonated drinks.
Try to be regular in the evacuation and not be long without going to the bathroom, which would favor the accumulation of gases.
Do not retain gas. Obviously, you can look for the best place for it and luckily the pregnant woman is presupposed frequent visits to the bathroom.
In addition, to improve digestion in general, you can control your weight gain, do not wear tight clothes, do not go to bed immediately after eating, avoid very greasy or spicy foods, exercise regularly ...
If you are concerned about belching, avoid foods that "repeat" with a strong smell like garlic or certain fried foods.
Anyway, remember that all people emit gases every day but that if you are pregnant you will probably suffer more from gas discomfort. Luckily, these nasty partners return to their usual level before pregnancy once we have given birth.
Photos | iStock
In Babies and more | Digestive discomfort during pregnancy, did you suffer any? Five little known discomforts of pregnancy
